Vehicle 1

Mitsubishi Lancer

454 complaints · 26 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

3,563 complaints · 30 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Mitsubishi Lancer vs Honda Accord: The Lancer has 45.4 complaints per year vs the Accord's 356.3, but the Accord has more advanced safety features. The Lancer's top issue is power train (133), while the Accord's is engine (770). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Mitsubishi Lancer
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategoryMitsubishi LancerHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
454
✓ lower
3,563
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
26
✓ lower
30
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
39
✓ lower
125
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
45.4
✓ lower
356.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mitsubishi Lancer

1. POWER TRAIN133
2. ENGINE78
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
4. SERVICE BRAKES41
5. SUSPENSION38

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE770
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE702
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM644
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER547
5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM497
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Mitsubishi Lancer has far fewer complaints per year (45.4 vs 356.3), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, the Honda Accord's higher complaint volume partly reflects its greater popularity, so buyers should weigh the specific problem areas.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and simpler mechanical issues, the Lancer may be less risky. If you need modern safety features like forward collision avoidance, the Accord offers them but with more electrical and engine complaints. Check service history for both.

Key Differences
  • Lancer: 45.4 complaints/year vs Accord: 356.3/year
  • Lancer: 26 recalls vs Accord: 30 recalls
  • Lancer: top issue is power train (133); Accord: top issue is engine (770)
  • Accord has 702 forward collision avoidance complaints; Lancer has none
⚠ Watch on Mitsubishi Lancer
  • Watch for power train issues (133 complaints) and suspension problems (38).
  • Check for brake system complaints (41) that may indicate premature wear.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Be alert for engine problems (770 complaints) and electrical system issues (644).
  • Forward collision avoidance system (702 complaints) may have false activations or failures.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report for both models.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the power train and suspension on the Lancer.
  • Test the forward collision avoidance system on the Accord.
  • Check for open recalls and ensure they were completed.
  • Review service records for engine and electrical repairs on the Accord.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mitsubishi LancerHonda Accord
2017
6
516
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Honda Accord
Mitsubishi Lancer total complaints
454
Honda Accord total complaints
3,563
Mitsubishi Lancer total recalls
26
Honda Accord total recalls
30
Mitsubishi Lancer avg complaints/year
45.4
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
356.3
More reliable overall
Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Lancer top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mitsubishi LancerReliability & Problems

454 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda AccordReliability & Problems

3,563 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Mitsubishi Lancer or Honda Accord?

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